School's Out For Summer

Who is the laziest, most irresponsible blogger on the planet? That would be me. I am not too proud to own it....I willingly accept the title! Last week was crazy! And last weekend wasn't much better. However, as of noon today, I am officially on summer break! I know you are all dying to know how I celebrated.....I went to Best Buy and I made my official purchase. Oh yes, ladies and gentlemen.....I bought a Macbook Pro (with a little help from my friends...thank you)! I will collect it bright and early tomorrow morning. And it gets even better....because I was too afraid to make the purchase two weeks ago and I waited and procrastinated...I was able to purchase a BRAND NEW model that was launched only last Tuesday....for $100 dollars less! The light was shinin' down on me...kind of like the day I bought my first pair of vintage cowboy boots!

I have a ton of photos to share.....I hope to be a much more diligent blogger in all my free time! (These are not necessarily in chronological order....although I will try to blog "in order of occurrence" as best I can.)

So the other day I caught my children "in the act." Toilet paper is...by far...the most fun toy in this house. I can NOT keep the roll on the roller/dispenser thingee. I have to keep all rolls stored in cabinets at all times. Sounds like a tight plan, doesn't it? Not so much. My children can pull it off of and out of any cabinet. I just never figured out who the culprit was. Looks like I caught the ring leader and I have to say...I was pleasantly surprised. I assumed all mischevious actions were Lola's idea. Nevermind who hatches the plan the bottom line is I spend more money on toilet paper than anyone I know. This is a weekly occurrence!



Lola simply joins in because she can not refuse a party.

There are times these cats drive me insane. But then...for about 10 minutes...they are all calm, cuddlin' with me in my bed...and I am so happy they each found me. I am happy to waste money on toilet paper as long as they continue to keep me company. Some days it is much needed!
As most of you know I am terribly afraid of lizards. It is an irrational fear and is not based in any solid traumatic experience from my childhood. It just IS...period! I have been afraid of them for as long as I can remember. My mother...on the other hand...thinks they are precious and often thought it was quite funny to let them into the house to torment her daughter! (No one ever called the authorities on that one!) Dad often had to referee and remove them from the house. There were times the lizards put up quite a fight and his fingers caught the brunt of their frustration.

Anyhow...I am really trying to get beyond this fear because it limits my backyard activity and annoys people that have to be outside with me, go to the zoo with me, go to Cozumel (or any tropical area) with me, etc. Saturday morning I was heading out for a road trip when I found this little one sunning him or herself in my back patio. I got in super close....then zoomed in with the camera...and here is what I got. Not so bad...kinda cute...as long as there is safe distance between us!
Are you proud of me, mom? Immediately prior to boarding my first international flight (to London for my study abroad program) she gave me a plastic lizard. She knew I was very nervous about the flight as there had recently been a tragic plane crash out of New York City. She said, "This plastic lizard is to remind you to boldly face your fears. Hold onto it for the duration of the flight!" For eight hours I gripped the lizard tightly. It travelled in my fanny pack (oh yes...I said fanny pack....it was a very safe way to keep my belongings close to me while on trains and subways) the entire semester. That lizard has made at least four international flights since...and has accompanied me on every "scary" situation...in my pocket (I tossed the fanny pack long age). I think that more than makes up for the torture my mom poured upon me in my childhood by allowing them in the house.

Today I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Rowan Landry Gragg. Rowan was born on January 3o, 2009 to Roger and Dinah Gragg. Dinah and I went to college and graduate school together, completed all our graduate assistantships together and now we work together. Dinah has become a very dear friend to me. And it must be said...Roger is one of the funniest people I have EVER met. They are such a lovely couple and I am so happy for their new blessing.

I love you baby Rowan! And I am so sorry I made you a little fussy today. However...Mommy made it all better by singing. And as many years as I have known your Mommy...I had no idea she could sing so well! Congratulations Dinah and Roger. He is beautiful!

This is a new addition to the blog. Today is the inauguration of "My Friend's Top Ten." The idea behind this is to get my friends involved in the blog. And, honestly, I am only as interesting and unique as the people I know. Each one of my friends is a tiny little expert on "something!" I want to celebrate that.


For the inaugural post I went straight to one of the coolest people I have ever known. I met Johnny Seale one of the first nights of college. My dorm had to play a very stupid game with his dorm. (Embarassing, I know.) Anyhow...we became good friends throughout college and Johnny was always incredibly kind to me....when other boys were busy being rude and uppity....Johnny always treated everyone with an equal amount of respect, open-ness and grace. I had not had the opportunity to keep up with him since we graduated...but I would often hear he was doing well and enjoying life in Dallas. About two years ago I started visiting Dallas more frequently and had the opportunity to catch up with him again and get to know his incredibly hip and sassy wife, Carley (who owns my favorite store in the entire world...The Gypsy Wagon). Johnny helped me with the basic design idea of this blog...so thank you friend. (Check out the rest of his brilliant design ideas at Cowboys and Indians magazine!) PS...the "spacing" is not cooperating here. So sorry.....this is driving me insane right now.

Johnny chose to share his Top Ten favorite songs to "groove by." I was able to add about five of them to the blog playlist. They should be the first five songs you hear. And I have been doing some serious groovin' in my rocking chair (what am I....a groovy grandma?) listening to these tunes. I have NOT edited Johnny's content. So....if your eyes don't like bad words....skip right on through. However...Johnny is a very witty and creative guy...so you might want to enjoy his unique commentary. In addition...he has been kind enough to provide the YouTube link to each of these. Oh yes...friends of future topics to come...he totally upped the ante!
OK: here's my 10 songs. They don't necessarily blend together, but I suppose they could. You'll maybe tell that I like Afro-cuban beats, foul language, and raves.

1) Up From The South by The Budos Band- There's a scene in "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka" where John Slade walks down the street, and there's a full music section following him as he struts confidently through Jack's ghetto. Jack asks: "Who are these guys?" and John replies: "My theme music... Every good hero should have some." True dat, Slade: my music would be anything by Brooklyn's Budos Band. Video, includes 'Eastbound': http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqyXgFaf1-4

2) Let's Start by Fela Kuti- King of Afro-beat is sure to make it wiggle more than a little. In 1970's Nigeria: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-SQH94Pifc

3) Velvet Pants or Take California by The Propellerheads-Good grief, I still cannot believe these guys only put out one album "decksanddrumsandrockandroll." Excellent driving music, if you can handle spazzing out a little while behind the wheel. Someone's short video scored to Take California:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8bMSVrLIBM No video here, but you can get a listen to Velvet Pants:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Y8dqBag3gk

4) D.A.R.E. by the Gorillaz- When you listen, does your butt starting movin' front-back-and-side-to-side? Hey white people: feel that overbite comin' on? It's coming up / It's coming up / It's DARE! Neat-o sidenote: the backing vocals are from the lead singer of The Happy Mondays. If anyone knew how to get a party started, it was the Mondays. Video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCy928QJCDE

5) Golden Age by TV On The Radio- More dudes from BKYLN, throwin' down sound for your mound. "Oh, here it comes like a natural disaster / Oh, blowin up like a ghetto blaster/ Oh, here it comes, bring it faster!" Fun video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0gghjczAt0

6) Star 69 by Fat Boy Slim- If you want to turn your party into a full-on, butterfly-wings-and-glow-sticks rave, put this song once everyone is fully primed. Holy shit, I may have sweat my body weight out freaking out to this jam. Here's Norman Cook f*ckin in heaven: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xkm422Blpk4

7) Can You Feel It? by The Jacksons- Ah 1980: Disco was not dead yet, and Michael had yet to release Thriller. When people say they like "Off The Wall," many times this one gets left out of the conversation. Jane Fonda used this song in her aerobics tapes. Trippy video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW1fXL3s7bk

8)Hollywood Freaks by Beck- Absurdity. Genius. Tooty-Fruity. Automatic Biz-ootie. Make all the lesbians scream, here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIIJHiKhIRE

9) Do You Really Want To Hurt Me? by Boy George & The Culture Club- Was Boy George terribly misunderstood? Attention Adam Lambert: I triple-dog-dare you to outdo the career of this man. Plus, the dance moves in this video are off the pork pulley:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpFmEvdJjvw

10)Pumping On Your Stereo by Supergrass- They may be from the UK, but when I listen to Supergrass, I can only hear California. I love the first several records by these guys. Checkout "In It For The Money" for the peak of their sound, in my opinion. Official video for Pumping: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXL_Xb0zT5g

Everybody say thank you to Johnny for making all your parties that much more fun! I hope he considers joining us again for another installment of "My Friend's Top Ten." I am hoping his presence increases my male readership from three to maybe five? Maybe next time you can rank your top ten favorite Cowboy hail mary passes of all time (you all know I have no idea what I am talking about). Jace'...you are up next. (By the way....it MUST be asked...how does Johnny know about Jane Fonda using "Can You Feel It?" My mom worked out RELIGIOUSLY to that video and I have NO recollection of this.)

I have no official transition here. Just wanted to share a few photos from Christine's birthday party at Silo. We went specifically to hear Delta House....the best cover band EVER! We had an amazing time! Enjoy the photos.....

Christine, Jace' and Danica......

Christine and the lead singer. She requested "Pour Some Sugar on Me." He said the didn't know it. What cover band does not know this song? Jace' has HORRIBLY disappointed they didn't know her theme song. Holla! Instead he sang "Ring of Fire." A far cry from her original request.
Christine decided to give "Coach John Pena" some hair. We still aren't sure why or what prompted this action. But he was a very good sport.

Christine and I.......(why didn't I crop any of these? Too late now.)

Jace' and Danica.......

This night was so much fun! We all stayed out until "last call." Thanks for organizing your own party, Christine! Despite all the venue confusion....we ALL had a great time. Next year...third annual Silo birthday party? We can't break with tradition.

Just a reminder....the Stella and Dot trunk show order will be open until Wednesday, June 17. If you still have not made your purchase or you want to add to your order click here. Click on "Can't make it to party. Find my hostess." Then enter in "Patty Vela." Most of the trunk show guests have already received their purchases and are raving about their products! Check out the goods...you won't be disappointed!

Goodnight friends! Have to wake up super-fly early to collect my newest, shiniest toy. I am grinnin' from ear to ear as I type these words! What? Of course I will take a photograph!

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

It is hauntingly quiet in here today. I have made a concerted effort to turn off the television lately. As a self proclaimed TV junkie this is rather difficult for me. I usually turn the TV on for background noise. Instead I have opted for the gentle comfort of silence. I turn on the television when I have time set aside as "TV time" and I catch up on the shows that I have waiting to be viewed. Otherwise I am trying to be alone with my thoughts on a much more frequent basis. It feels eerie a lot of the time. But like anything...it will just take getting used to.


Today I CELEBRATE my mom and dad as they CELEBRATE their 37th anniversary. There isn't much I can say that won't sound trite or overused. I could say, "Wow! 37 years! That is amazing." But in truth...I (obviously) haven't even been alive for 37 years so I can't imagine doing ANYTHING for that long! I could say, "Wow! Marriage is so rewarding and yet truly hard stuff." But in truth...I can't comment on this either as I have no experience in this particular domain. All I can say is that I love you both very much. Your relationship has been a model for me. Not only is it something I aspire to....it has also taught me how I want to function in relationship to other people...not only a spouse, but family, friends, loved ones, colleagues, etc. The amount of genuine respect you give to one another inspires me to treat EVERYONE in a similar manner. The integrity with which you have chosen to conduct your married life has shown me how I want to conduct my own life. The devotion to each other...and as a result to your child...has shown me how I should, and can, devote myself to others. The manner in which you have chosen to face adversity has taught me that with the right people in your corner there is nothing you can not face and I will never have to face adversity alone. Even though you are apart today, I know you will both be reflecting upon the joys and sorrows, the good times and the tough times, the young years and the not so young years, my entrance and my continued presence, your young love and your more recent love, today. Here's to many, many, many more years! Congratulations!


I have adjusted the playlist to play a song for you called "Anniversary Song" by The Cowboy Junkies. I first heard this song when I was about 20 years old. It left a deep impact on me....even though I could hardly even imagine such a concept back then. I hope you take the time to listen to the words and celebrate your wonderful day! I think it captures the spirit of a solid partnership and really "celebrates" the joy of having a partner for life. How lucky you both are to have found one another and to have continued growth in the same direction. Thanks for never giving up on each other or on me.


I also want to celebrate some of the fun moments I have had over the last few weeks. Last Thursday Jace', Heather, Sangeeta, Rupa, Nick and I enjoyed tapas, sangria and Logan Keese at Carmen's de la Calle Cafe. I am ashamed to admit this...but I ALWAYS forget Carmen's is here. And every few years I have the opportunity to visit this unique cafe. And every time I sit there I think to myself, "Wow. This place is so great. Why don't I come here more often?" Now I think we will have a good reason to frequent Carmen's with more consistency. I believe Logan Keese will be playing more often. He plays at Carmen's with a larger band than just the duo he usually plays with at Soho. The vibe of the music feels a little bit different...I dare say a tad more modern...but my ear is completely untrained so I really have no idea what I am talking about! However, his mother told me today that the evening we saw Logan at Carmen's, the band played about five songs Logan had composed! I recorded about 30 seconds of a solo Logan played that evening. It is really dark and you can hardly see a thing...but you can hear it! And that is what is most important! So....enjoy the next few photos and then scroll down, pause the music, scroll back up and press the arrow....! You know the drill by now.

I was playing around with the different settings on my camera and took a ton of photos of the sangria pitcher and sangria glass. It was like Kool-Aid, my friends! Dangerous, but delicious!

A black and white photo of Logan playing his trumpet.

Rupa and her husband, Nick.

Heather, Jace' and I......

A photo of the band. And I hate to admit this but their name escapes me right now. I need to ask Logan again so that you can keep an eye out for their next gig.

And now for a little sound of heaven.....Logan's solo. Enjoy......

The following Saturday I made plans with Rupa, Nick, Sangeeta, Nisha and Jordy to play by the pool. Afterwards we went back to their house and grilled yummy steaks. (Okay, "we" didn't grill the steaks...Nick did. And they were amazing! He does this thing with coffee grounds as a steak rub. Delicious!) Here are some pictures from the pool. This is Sangeeta with her nephew, Rupa and Nick's son, Jordy. He has the most beautiful eyes and some heavenly long eye lashes. He bats them at you and smiles and your heart immediately belongs to him.....

This is Nisha. She is Rupa and Nick's daughter. She is the definition of "sass!" This child is funny! She has an authentically original sense of humor and I could just sit and listen to her for hours and be completely entertained! She really enjoys life and it is so lovely to see a little girl with such an amazing sense of self and undeniable confidence. I hope she never loses that side of her. She is precious! And did I mention, funny?

Geeta, Jordy and I enjoying ourselves by the pool.

Jordy had NOT had a nap that day. This picture was taken about 3:30 and he could barely keep his sweet eyes open. He fell into a very deep sleep the second we got in the car and drooled all over Auntie Patty's shoulder when she took him out of his car seat! No matter....sweet slobber!

Nisha and I.

A short film of Nisha for your entertainment. We aren't quite sure what this "dance" is called but you can hear her mom in the background commenting on how the dance just took my blog from a "G" rating to a "PG" rating.

I had a lovely evening with my dear friends. I am so happy for Rupa and Nick! Their children are absolutely beautiful. You have created a wonderful life for your children. I am so pleased you are all back in San Antonio and I get to be a part of your lives again. I am also so privileged to watch your babies grow! I can NOT wait to see the young adults they become. With parents like you the possibilities are limitless. Thank you for always graciously hosting me in your home. I absolutely love the time I spend with you all! And Geeta I am so glad you are able to visit your sister so often and for such long periods of time. However...I am still hoping for a trip to Denver in the late fall, okay?

Just wanted to send out another reminder about the Stella and Dot party this Thursday at Soho Wine and Martini Bar. The party starts at 6pm. I hope to see you all there! Also, if you are unable to attend but want to place an order please click here. Once at the web page you need to click on "Can't Attend Party. Find Hostess." Enter in "Patty Vela" and happy shopping!

Today's quotable comes from ANOTHER one of my magnets made by Quotable Cards. It is from a popular children's book called Alice in Wonderland. I love the message Lewis Carroll sends here and I find it most fitting in relationship to a series of conversations I have had with Najla over the last two days. Again...thank you friend for the wisdom of your experience! And let's always instill this message in Gianna as we watch her grow from a baby into a woman.....

"There is no use in trying," said Alice; "one can't believe impossible things." "I dare say you haven't had much practice," said the Queen. "When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." -Lewis Carroll

Lorelai and Rory have decided not to "talk" because things in their lives are so serious. They want to find an activity where they do not have to talk. They figure they might try a sport. They ask Lorelai's snooty, French, sexually ambiguous, employee Michele what types of sports he plays.

Michele: Well, Pilates, of course.

Lorelai: What?

Rory: It's like yoga with cables and wires.

Lorelai: Sounds dangerous.

Goodnight friends and, once again, Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad.

Weekend in Austin: Part Three-Hotel San Jose

Today was the last day of school for our students! (I still have 8 more to go. But thankfully, I have a wonderful job that allows me two months vacation time in the summer so I can NOT and will NOT complain.) As I was walking to my car I realized this was my 10th last day of school. I was struck by how the time has flown by and I wondered how many more "last days of school" I will complete.

While I was in Austin over Memorial Day weekend I received a long awaited text from my friend Sara. It simply read, "I am engaged, chica!" Sara and I work together (and while neither of us have any recollection of this we grew up on the same street in Brownsville and KNOW we must have played together from time to time). Rico and Sara have dated since December, 2001; although they have known each other since high school. I am absolutely thrilled for you both. Through the last 7 years I have seen your relationship grow and I know this natural progression was something you were both looking forward to for a very long time. I have seen you both be true to one another and always lean on each other during tough times. You make each other and your families your priority. I think you two are certainly soul mates and each other's perfect match! Congratulations and best wishes and I WILL BE in Cabo next June. And thanks for offering to feed us, Sara! I knew you would change your mind. In celebration.....Rico and Sara.......
While Ciara and I were strolling around South Congress we tucked into the entrance of Hotel San Jose. I knew about the charming, eclectic and soulful hotel because Ciara and Ryan retired there after their wedding celebration. I have also passed it hundreds of times because they once lived seconds from hotel's location. However, I had never entered the front gate. As we were walking and talking she said, "Hey, let's go in there. I want you to see it. You would love it here!" Immediately upon entering the gates we found this little bird completely LUXURIATING in this zen like fountain. We both stood there, silently watching this bird continue to bathe. The bird must have spent AT LEAST three minutes splashing around completely unaware of our bizarre, voyeuristic fascination. I figured I might as well pull out my camera and capture whatever I could. I took a ton of pictures and this bird was NEVER disturbed by our presence. It was the embodiment of "singularity of purpose." Of course when the bird was done it flew straight towards a woman who had a fear of birds. I laughed a little then remembered my "iguana thing" and imagined one coming towards me in a similar fashion. Suddenly it wasn't so funny anymore!

Today, in honor of this little bird, I celebrate luxuriating in a bath! My evening bath is very often THE highlight of my day. I can not think of a better way to end my day and prepare for slumber. Hot baths have always been most restorative for me and I consider a hot bath the panacea for any and all physical and emotional ailments. When I am feeling down...for whatever reason...that is the first place I can be found. Lights off, candles lit, music on, bath salts dissolving....that is one of my life's simple luxuries. I am sure I am at the top of the water conservationist movement's "most wanted" list....but I do my part in other ways! I wash my own dishes....no dishwasher for this girl! So I think that makes us just about even.

As for Hotel San Jose....I can not wait for a good excuse to treat myself to an evening or two at this well known establishment. I imagine drinks in the courtyard, dinner at the Italian restaurant down the way, dancing at the Continental Club, a hot bath, deep sleep, drawn curtains, waking up late, coffee in my terry cloth robe, fish tacos at Guero's and shopping along South Congress. That sounds like a perfect weekend! Yummy and delicious!

A footnote to my Austin trip....I spoke with Ciara two days ago and she said Ella transitioned to her new school with overwhelming ease. She acted as though she has been in attendance for years and her teacher is very proud of her "potty progress!" Only pull ups for this girl! Way to go Elly Belly.....I am so proud of you!

Right now I am lovin' my new shoes. What I love EVEN MORE is that they only cost me 27 dollars! Oh yes...ladies...I said 27 dollars! You know that feeling....victory! Of course...they are just a tad too large but for 27 dollars I can throw some inserts in there and go on with my evening! Personally, I have found my shoes set the tone for my entire mood. If I am feeling sassy in my shoes I tend to also feel sassy from head to toe. A few weeks ago Isaac Mizrahi was a guest on The Splendid Table. In addition to being a designer he is also somewhat of a chef. When Lynne Rossetto Kasper asked him what the most important elements of a good dinner party were he said aperitifs and dessert. When she asked why he said it was like good fashion. What is important is what is happening with your hair and jewelry and your shoes....everything in the middle is just incidental. He said people will remember the drinks you serve when they walk in and the dessert they are sent off with. Again everything in the middle is simply incidental. I couldn't agree more! I knew I adored this man for a reason!

Additionally, I am currently lovin' my new nail polish. It is called "Hunger" by NARS. I got what might quite possibly be the last bottle in San Antonio. A special shout out to my "hook up." He never lets me OR my mother down! This color is part of their summer line called "Vintage Nails" and is in apparently very high demand. I feel very privileged to have it on my toes! It is the perfect shade of orange. (Yes...I did, in fact, take this many...and more....photos of these shoes on several separate occasions!)

Just a quick reminder.....my Stella and Dot party will be Thursday, June 11 at 6pm. It will be held at Soho Wine and Martini Bar. Please feel free to drop by, throw back an exquisite drink and shop the hippest, cutest, most affordable jewelry I have seen in a long time! If you can not make it...or you live out of town....click here to start shopping. Click on the link titled "Can't Make It To Party: Find Your Hostess" and then enter in "Patty Vela." Orders need to be in by June 11. This jewelry is very unique and whimsical. The nice thing about the line is there are a lot of different styles for various tastes. Additionally they have a men's line for that special guy in your life. I can't wait to see you all there and may I suggest the "Dirty Sour Martini" and the "Carrot Cake Martini!" You will NOT be disappointed!

Lorelai has just been ditched by her eccentric employee for a Celine Dion concert instead. She is in desperate need of an escort to a wedding. She is so frustrated with his last minute bailout. She screams, "FRACKIN' CELINE DION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" I believe many of us understand the sentiment.

Goodnight friends. I have a ton of things to do this weekend and that means of ton of pictures to share!

Weekend in Austin: Part Two-South Congress

I am feeling a little under the weather this evening. I found out yesterday I have a calcification, or "stone" in one of the salivary gland/tube like structures that leads to the duct in my cheek. The site on my cheek became very inflammed and I had no idea why. I didn't remember biting myself or burning myself so I was really at a loss. As the days passed I started feeling worse! My cheek was sore, the area around it was raw, my ear hurt and burned, my throat hurt, my teeth hurt, my gums hurt, my head hurt! It was just uncomfortable to talk! Thank goodness for my parent's neighbor, Jim Burke, a professor of dentistry who saw me Sunday morning at his house and encouraged me to see my dentist if I didn't feel better soon. I visited my dentist's office...without an appointment....and he suspected I had a stone. He took some x-rays and sure enough you could see the stone clearly! He said it would pass...just like a kidney stone...but prescribed me Amoxicillin for the infection. I asked him if I could have the pink, liquid, refrigerated version from my childhood. He laughed and asked if I wanted graham crackers and chocolate milk, too! (I got it in pill form. Sad, sigh!) My mouth feels better today but I feel the "cold like" symptoms have persisted. And to top it off.....I turned my ankle today three times! Twice was one step after another. Very odd. And yes....friends....it is the foot I can't really feel! Yikes...scary stuff. Tomorrow....NO HEELS! So...let my story be a cautionary tale...if you don't remember biting yourself and you have an odd inflammation inside your cheek do not blow it off and be careful in heels! Now....Austin Part Two as promised.

The following day Ciara and I woke up early and attended a service at her church, First United Methodist Church of Austin. The church is situated downtown and the building is historic. It is beautiful and hearkens back to a time when a church resembled a theater of sorts. It is surrounded by simple, understated stained glass windows and origami birds hang from the ceiling. They each have a prayer request written on them by church members and will be up for the rest of the Easter season. The pastor is the same pastor who married Ciara and Ryan. (Apparently he was the pastor of Alamo Heights United Methodist Church for a number of years before moving to Austin.) His message was simple…he reminded us that not only are we the face of Christ but we also reflect Christ back onto others…much like a mirror. He simply asked, “Do you really look like your picture?” He left us both with a lot to consider and we discussed his sermon from the church to lunch. Our friend, Jen, met us for lunch at Guero’s on South Congress. (My fish tacos on whole wheat tortillas were OUT OF THIS WORLD!) I always enjoy eating there. It reminds me I am in the heart of Austin and I can feel the city’s vibe….


My celebration today is the conversation Ciara, Jen and I had at lunch. It was one of the most open, vulnerable, real conversations I have participated in for a very long while. A lot of poignant, relevant, difficult questions were asked and very real, human, candid, emotional answers were given. Each one of us focused on something that has recently transpired in our lives. Some of the topics were more serious than others…but all were very palpable, charged, adult situations that we could have never anticipated when we first met over 15 years ago. I marveled at how far each of us has come and some of the life experiences Jen and Ciara have accumulated as adults. They are both incredibly strong women who have dealt with deep, sorrowful loss and have also experienced some of life’s ultimate joys. Ciara reminded us that sometimes an individual can become so angry with God (or whatever higher force you wish to subscribe to) for things that do or do not happen in life. She reminded us that we can spend a very long time in that place. However she said it is easy to forget God is also saddened by our trials. Much like an earthbound parent, sometimes there is little God can do other than to shake his head in sadness and desperation for the tribulations His children are subjected to…sometimes through absolutely no fault of their own. Her thoughts reminded me VERY much of a passage I read in a book (YEARS AGO) called Coming Down the Mountain. It was given to me after I made my first ACTS retreat and is often suggested to “retreatants” immediately upon their first day back in the “real world” after completing their ACTS or Emmaus journey. It was the story of a woman who had experienced deep trauma during her childhood and held onto her anger with fierce intensity for many, many years. The realization was that God didn’t “allow this to happen to her,” rather he hung his head in sadness at the fact that another one of His children could harm her in such an abhorrent way. She realized God could offer to carry her, and probably had been carrying her, through her anger and pain…and in the end that was comfort enough for her. She was able to release her anger and resentment and move forward in her journey to know Christ. Of the 6 weeks worth of daily reflections offered in that book….this story is THE ONE and ONLY that has consistently resonated with me and the only one I honestly remember. Sorry for the tangent….back to my original celebration….I celebrate my wonderful lunch with two very dear friends who have known me a very long time! I am so blessed to count you both among my friends. You are both solid, strong, bold, courageous women. I can’t wait to see where we all are after another 15 years! Undoubtedly we will still be meeting up at Guero’s for fish tacos on a Sunday morning after church. (Ella will be graduating from high school in 15 years time! Goodness…)


What I am lovin’ right now is these photos Ciara captured. After lunch Ciara and I walked around South Congress shopping at some of the unique and eclectic shops and boutiques. In addition to shops, restaurants, hotels and live music venues, quite a few vintage RVs now dot the landscape. Each one serves a different food item and are generally decorated to advertise their goods. For example one RV had a huge cupcake on it, the other had a large sign that read, “Flavored Popcorn,” etc. As you all know I have a deep fascination and appreciation for Airstreams! I want to own one so badly! I don’t know what it is….my eye just loves the aesthetic value…and my spirit likes what they represent. (I am certainly not a camp-y type of a girl….but I could definitely criss-cross the nation in one of these…re-imagined and re-invented, of course! The inspirations are a hula girl lamp, oil cloth covered metal chairs, aqua and yellow paint and big, bold floral patterns....with the requisite pink flamingos and vintage bar-b-que out front!) Imagine my excitement when we happened upon this Airstream selling crepes. (Funny something so French vended from something so American.) Ciara asked if I wanted a picture with the Airstream. I shrieked in delight and was like a kid in a candy store. We didn’t even realize another iconic American figure lurked in the foreground of the picture….old Coca-Cola bottles. Ciara took a photography class in college and I was her model (I use that term VERY loosely). Little has changed all these years later. I am still posing for her black and whites!

Today I needed to pick up a new journal. I intended to stop into the book store, pick up a journal and be out within minutes. I have to embarrassingly admit to my annoyance at the short, but painfully slow, line at the check out counter. As I waited, silently seething, I noticed my favorite magnet line prominently displayed next to the entrance to the check out counter. The line is called Quotable Cards and they manufacture cards and magnets with various inspirational quotes. I have purchased MANY of their cards and magnets as gifts to myself, family and friends! I found this quote to be of particular relevance to me and my life right now. I couldn't help myself...I had to purchase it. I knew I had to add it to the little magnet boards that flank my multi-purpose desk. Upon further research I have learned the author of this quote, Christian D. Larson was an influential New Thought leader and teacher and prolific writer of New Thought books. This passage is from Larson's book Your Forces and How To Use Them written in 1912. It has since come to be known as "The Optimist Creed" and was officially adopted by the Optimists International as their creed in 1922. I am not sure how this creed has managed to escape me all these years...but often things fall into our lives when we need them most! I hope you enjoy reading it for the first time or re-reading it and finding new value in it.

Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

Look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

Think only of the best, work only for the best, and expect only the best.

Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

Give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

Live in the faith that the whole world is on your side so long as you are true to the best that is in you!

I feel this sums up the purpose, mission and ultimate goal of this blog. I am so grateful this magnet dropped into my life today! Goodnight friends......